Name: Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 large English cucumber (or Persian cucumbers); 4-5 carrots; 2-3 green onions (sliced); 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or any neutral tasting oil); 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon honey; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

There is something irresistibly fresh and vibrant about this Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing Recipe that makes it a total game-changer for quick, healthy meals. Crisp cucumbers and sweet carrots meld perfectly with a tangy, nutty dressing that’s bursting with umami from the soy and toasted sesame oil. Whether you’re craving a refreshing side dish or a light lunch, this salad won’t just satisfy your taste buds but will also brighten up your plate with its beautiful colors and textures. Trust me, once you try this salad, it’ll become your new favorite go-to for effortless, delicious eating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows fresh ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a long dark green cucumber and three green onions with white bulbs and green stalks placed beside it. To the right, there are five bright orange carrots. Between the vegetables, there are small clear glass bowls containing different sauces or liquids: a dark brown sauce, a lighter yellow oil, a golden liquid, and a light beige creamy sauce. There is also a small glass jar of golden liquid, a single garlic clove, and two small containers filled with white and black sesame seeds and salt and pepper mix. The setup is clean, colorful, and organized for cooking preparation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed salad with impressive depth. Each item has been thoughtfully chosen to provide a perfect balance of crunch, tang, and savory aromatics, making the preparation both easy and satisfying.

English cucumber or Persian cucumbers: Offers a juicy, crisp base with mild sweetness and a refreshing crunch.
Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a gorgeous bright orange hue that makes the salad pop visually.
Green onions: Provide a gentle sharpness and fresh green color that balances the sweetness of the carrots.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings the perfect salty, umami richness without overpowering the veggies.
Rice vinegar: Injects a pleasant acidity that lifts all the flavors and brightens the salad.
Avocado oil or neutral oil: Helps meld the dressing ingredients together without masking the fresh flavor.
Toasted sesame oil: Delivers a warm, nutty aroma that is signature to this dressing’s character.
Dijon mustard: Adds subtle tang and emulsification to keep the dressing smooth.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the salad with a mild pungency that complements the veggies beautifully.
Honey: Balances the savory and acidic notes with a touch of natural sweetness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the individual flavors.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for texture, visual appeal, and an extra toasty flavor boost.

How to Make Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers

Start by slicing the English cucumber into halves or thirds lengthwise, then cut each piece into half-moons. You can peel it fully, partially, or leave the skin on depending on your preference. For extra crispness, place the chopped cucumber on paper towels with a pinch of salt and let it rest; this draws out excess moisture and keeps your salad fresh and crunchy.

Step 2: Cut the Carrots

Peel your carrots and slice them into thin matchsticks or julienne. If you have a julienne peeler, that makes this step a breeze, but slicing them lengthwise works just as well. Shredded carrots can also work if you prefer a softer texture, making the salad approachable for everyone.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, avocado oil, toasted sesame oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and all the flavors meld into a tangy, slightly sweet, and deeply savory magic sauce.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Slice the green onions and add them to a large bowl with the drained cucumbers and carrots. Give everything a quick sprinkle of salt and pepper, then pour in the sesame soy dressing. Toss lightly but thoroughly so every piece of vegetable is lovingly coated. Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds on top for that satisfying crunch and toasty aroma. Now your Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a fresh salad made of sliced green cucumbers and thin, bright orange carrot strips. The vegetables are mixed together and sprinkled with white and black sesame seeds, adding small dots of contrasting color. There are thin slices of fresh green onion scattered throughout the salad, giving a fresh look with layers of green on top. Two silver forks rest on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes can take this salad to the next level. Consider sprinkling some chopped fresh cilantro or toasted chopped peanuts for an added burst of color and texture. A few thinly sliced red chili flakes can add a lovely kick if you like a bit of heat, while extra sesame seeds enhance the nuttiness even more.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with so many meals. Think grilled chicken, baked salmon, or airy steamed dumplings. It also works wonderfully as a lively, crunchy counterpoint to rich Asian-inspired dishes like fried rice or noodle bowls. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this salad is your fresh, colorful partner in flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can be half the fun with this salad. Serve it in a large clear glass bowl to showcase those vibrant orange and green hues. Or for a unique touch, try layering the salad in small individual mason jars for easy portioning and a charming look. You could also serve it atop chilled rice paper wraps or use it as a zesty filling in lettuce cups.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps well for about 2 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness. Because the cucumber can release water over time, stir the salad before serving leftovers to redistribute the dressing and crispness.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The fresh vegetables will become soggy and lose their delightful crunch once thawed, which makes this recipe best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating as it will wilt the vegetables and alter the fresh flavors you love in the Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing Recipe.

FAQs

Can I substitute the soy sauce for a gluten-free option?

Absolutely! Tamari or coconut aminos make great gluten-free alternatives that keep the umami flavor intact while accommodating dietary needs.

Is there a vegan version of this salad dressing?

This recipe is already vegan if you use maple syrup or agave instead of honey. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based and naturally delicious.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Definitely! Thinly sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or radishes add wonderful crunch and color if you want to customize it further.

How long does it take to prepare this Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing Recipe?

It’s a super quick recipe that should take about 10 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.

What kind of oil is best if I don’t have avocado oil?

Any neutral-flavored oil like grapeseed, canola, or light olive oil will work just fine without overpowering the delicate flavors of the salad.

Final Thoughts

There is simply nothing like a crisp, fresh Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing Recipe to brighten your meal and lift your spirits. It’s an easy, healthy staple that’s loaded with flavor and texture, perfect whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends. Give it a try soon and watch how this simple salad becomes an absolute favorite in your recipe rotation!

Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need